could conceivably be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could conceivably be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or hypothetical situation that is within the realm of imagination or consideration. Example: "The new policy could conceivably be beneficial for both employees and management if implemented correctly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Spitzer could conceivably be a panelist.

The New York Times

It could conceivably be either.

The Guardian - Film

Next May could conceivably be relevant.

The Guardian - Business

So he could conceivably be good again.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"They could conceivably be a much more reliable supplier".

The New York Times

Those lines could conceivably be used for entertainment programming.

The New York Times

Under this ruling, it could conceivably be one apartment.

The New York Times

Isis, the military phenomenon, could conceivably be degraded and destroyed.

The Guardian - Books

But a fair and equitable no-fault compensation system could conceivably be beneficial to patients".

The New York Times

Bryan Smith could conceivably be back on the road in the fall or winter of 2001.

The New Yorker

It could conceivably be a new tax, it could be gambling.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could conceivably be" to introduce possibilities or potential outcomes that may not be immediately obvious or certain. It is suitable for speculative or hypothetical situations.

Common error

Avoid using "could conceivably be" excessively in writing, as it can make your arguments seem weak or uncertain. Use stronger language when the evidence supports a more definitive statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could conceivably be" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or potential. As noted by Ludwig AI, it suggests that something is within the realm of possibility or consideration, but not necessarily likely or certain. Examples from news articles illustrate its use in describing hypothetical scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could conceivably be" is a versatile phrase used to express possibility or potential, suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media as well as scientific discussions. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. When using this phrase, keep in mind that it conveys uncertainty, and that while it is usable across registers, avoid overusing it to maintain the strength and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might conceivably be

Swaps "could" with "might", indicating a slightly reduced likelihood or confidence.

may conceivably be

Swaps "could" with "may", presenting a slightly more formal tone and possibility.

might possibly be

Replaces "could" with "might" and "conceivably" with "possibly", softening the level of possibility slightly.

could potentially be

Substitutes "conceivably" with "potentially", focusing on the inherent possibility within something.

could feasibly be

Substitutes "conceivably" with "feasibly", focusing on practical possibility.

could theoretically be

Replaces "conceivably" with "theoretically", emphasizing that something is possible in theory, even if unlikely in practice.

could imaginably be

Replaces "conceivably" with "imaginably", highlighting the possibility within imagination.

is possibly conceivable

Rephrases the entire structure to emphasize the possible nature of the conception or thought.

is not beyond the realm of possibility

Offers a more descriptive and emphatic way to express the same idea, highlighting that something is within the bounds of what is possible.

could just be

Simplifies the phrase to its most basic meaning, suggesting a less emphasized possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "could conceivably be" in a sentence?

Use "could conceivably be" to suggest a possibility or hypothetical situation. For example: "The new law "could conceivably be" beneficial, but it's too early to tell."

What phrases are similar to "could conceivably be"?

Similar phrases include "might possibly be", "could potentially be", or "may conceivably be". Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

Is "could conceivably be" formal or informal?

"Could conceivably be" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider using more precise language if possible.

What is the difference between "could conceivably be" and "could definitely be"?

"Could conceivably be" implies a possibility, while "could definitely be" implies a certainty. Use "could conceivably be" when there is a degree of uncertainty or speculation involved.